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Determination of the Fate of Inorganic Components upon Gasification of Sewage Sludge

Fact Sheet

Objective

Gasification is a promising technology for the production of renewable energy resources from biomass and waste streams, offering the advantage of providing a safe disposal route for organic pollutants. However, a major concern is the unclear fate of inorganic components during gasification, which brings about several environmental and technological issues. Because of its elevated content in N, P, S and heavy metals, sewage sludge forms an excellent model compound for a biomass waste stream with high inorganic loading. Hence, the current study focuses on elucidating the distribution and environmental risks of a series of target inorganic components into the gas phase, char residue and condensate, upon sewage sludge gasification. Hereto, an experimental study will be performed on bench scale, including advanced and complimentary chemical analyses, both on-line and off-line (GC-TCD, FTIR, ICP-AES, X-ray microfluorescence, X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis). The obtained experimental data will be used to develop strategies for clean gas production by operation at selected temperature stages and to extend existing gasification models with reaction mechanisms for inorganic components. Finally, the gathered know-how will be verified and updated through a pilot scale study. In view of the project management, a detailed workplan is set up, split into five subobjectives. The project results will contribute to European excellence by the dissemination of research results through international publications, possible patents and a workshop, allowing an immediate and clear impact on technology and legislation development. The scientific project and its many complimentary training aspects will allow the candidate to pursue and consolidate a European research career in the fields of wastewater treatment and renewable resources on the long term.